Summary

In Chapter 16, when Bobby calls the next day, Allie cannot bring herself to talk (201). However, that afternoon, Bobby shows up at the house. Not long after she dismisses him, Tamika, Curtis, and Sugars come by, insisting Allie leave if she is in danger. Sugars looks like he is “sizing up Leo” (202).

The Tuesday before Fire Fete, Allie goes into work although she does not want to. Everyone asks if she is okay. Jankie comes by to check on her and Bobby calls to meet up (203). Although sex usually makes Allie feel better, she tells Bobby no “‘for the first time” (203).

On Friday, Tamika comes over for Allie’s birthday. Allie’s week has been so hard, she forgot about her birthday. When Curtis, Sugars, Jankie, Ricky, and Colin join the gathering, Allie starts crying. She started the year “without a friend” and now...